The First Ten Years

The Newly Ordained:

Before Ordination: The candidate for Ordination to the Priesthood meets with the Director of Ongoing Formation for an introduction to the process of transition from Seminary to public life in the diocese, entrance into the diocesan presbyterate and first parochial assignment. This is done in collaboration with the director of vocations and the seminary formation team.

Meeting with the Bishop and Pastor of First Parish Assignment: Following ordination and before the newly ordained takes up residence in his parish assignment, he meets with the Bishop and the first pastor to clarify diocesan expectations and the pastor’s expectations so that the newly ordained understands the ministerial expectations and tasks.

One-on-One: Supervision and Theological Reflection – This continues the Formation process begun in the initial formation of the Seminary. It looks to assist in the transition from Diaconate to Presbyterate by means of monthly meetings with a Priest-Mentor. The newly ordained meets monthly with the Director of Ongoing Formation.

Group Formation: Quarterly one-day gatherings where, aided by an outside facilitator, and together with those in the second year of priesthood, the newly ordained comes to understand the meaning priestly ministry, develops a capacity for ministerial leadership and grows in an ability to act as priest in the contemporary world.

Priests Ordained One to Ten Years:

A once a year gathering of those priests ordained 1 to 10 years for the purpose of building up the presbyterate, doing some theological reflection on priestly ministry and gaining some insight into the self-as-priest. Led by an outside facilitator and resource person, this gathering begins at noon on Tuesday and ends at noon on Thursday.

One-on-One Coaching/Mentoring:

Mentoring: Seasoned priests serve as mentors for recently ordained, new pastors, priests new to the country;

Individual Coaching: Assistance to priests who are assuming a pastorate for the first time. This is an interactive process through which the new priest-pastor transitions effectively into the pastorate, solves performance problems and/or develops new capabilities for leadership. Through a process of observation, identification of strengths and weaknesses, appropriate and accurate feedback, and effective follow up that monitors progress, beginning pastors can arrive at a sense of confidence, a studied competency and developed effective pastoral leadership skills. Arranged individually.

Mantle of Elijah: Mentor Training Program (The Vatican II Institute)

A program established to train priests to serve as mentors for recently ordained priests, new pastors and priests new to the country. Offered as a service of the Vatican II Institute, Menlo Park, California.

Continuing Education From the Beginning: (The Vatican II Institute)

An annual integration workshop for priests in the first year of ordination. It is designed to assist and encourage the process of articulating and integrating their priestly identity and spirituality. Offered as a service of the Vatican II Institute, Menlo Park, California.